Creating awareness on vitiligo

To create public awareness and remove misconceptions about vitiligo, a condition that leads to depigmentation of sections of skin, Bangalore Dermatological Society (BDS) will organise Vitiligo Day on May 19 across the State.

“In the City, about two-three per cent of the population suffer from vitiligo. There is a certain kind of social stigma about the skin condition and people fear that it spreads through physical contact. Hence, we felt the need to create an awareness about vitiligo not just in the City but through out the State,” said Dr Umashankar N, moderator, Vitiligo Day, at a press conference held on Wednesday.

The State-level awareness campaign also includes free consultation as well as surgical and non-surgical treatment at reduced prices for vitiligo patients in selected clinics and hospitals.
“Besides creating awareness, the BDS will also work towards inclusion of vitiligo in the schedule of non-communicable diseases and share the data on the disease at both national and international forum to encourage dermatologists and scientists involved in vitiligo research,” added Dr Umashankar.

BDS will also launch a public awareness campaign on May 17 in front of Town Hall. BDS is the sister society of Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) - Karnataka.